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February 14, 2016
Dear Friends,
It seems like it was just yesterday when we began our journey together in the banquet rooms of Captain John's Seafood Restaurant, decorated as if for those first disciples of Jesus called from their nets and labors. That was ten years ago this month. We began our morning worship together with 33 faithful and visionary folk who were following God's call to build a church in northern Chatham County. That we have done, by God's grace and with God's direction. Together, we built both a gorgeous sanctuary and a wonderful, growing community that gives glory to God in every possible way. We are 185 members plus children. We are involved in more ministries in Chatham County than most people will ever know. We are a healthy, faithful and vibrant community known in our local community, our presbytery, and far beyond.
I was humbled, excited, and a little bit terrified, to be honest, to begin this new church work. But I was surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses - strong and faithful people who heard God's call and were willing to step out in faith together as a new community. What God has done with us continues to amaze me, though I know I should not be surprised by what God can do! It is humbling
When I accepted the call to be Organizing Pastor for this church, I did not know how long God would have me stay. I was prepared for five years or for thirty years. I did not know how long or when God would call me to another place or work, but I knew that I would always be open to listening to God's call.
God's call came recently, though I was not seeking it out. As I opened myself to what God might be doing, I began to understand that God was doing a new thing for me and for Chapel in the Pines. With that understanding, I have accepted the call to become the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Durham, NC.
I cannot begin to describe the grief that comes with accepting this call. I have never served a community of faith as long as I have served Chapel in the Pines. My connections with you all are deep and wide, as is my love for each of you. Even so, I believe that God is calling me to a new ministry and I believe that God has great things in store for you with your strong leadership that will expand your strengths and add new depth to your faithfulness and ministry to Chatham County.
Though I leave with deep sadness, I also leave with deep confidence in the staff and leaders at Chapel in the Pines. You are a healthy church which has grown in so many ways over the last ten years. I know you continue to look to God for the ways you will grow in the future.
I will be with you through April 3rd, the Sunday after Easter. We will have plenty of time to share and make preparations. The session will make plans with guidance and support from the presbytery for leadership after I depart. Mitzi Lesher-Thomas will be a strong and steady pastoral and worship presence during this time and the staff will all continue to share their gifts with the congregation. You may find God calling you to fill a special role during this time of transition as well.
Chapel in the Pines is a strong and faithful church. I encourage you to continue in strength and faithfulness in the following ways during this transition.
1. Stay involved. Get involved. Find the places where you can grow and where you can help the church grow. This is not the time to fade away, but to step up and discern how the Holy Spirit is leading this community into the future at this time.
2. Be generous with your time, talents and resources. The spring Capital Campaign is full of hope and promise for the future for you all. Your confidence in what God is doing here can be shown as you support the campaign and the ministries of the church.
3. Be prayerful. In this time of transition, you will need one another's prayers and support.
4. Listen for the movement of the Holy Spirit. God has formed you and has great things planned for your future. Trust that and move forward with energy and excitement over what God will do next in your midst.
Dear friends, these ten years have been full of life, love, hope and joy for me and I hope for you as well. It has been my privilege to be your pastor all these years. You will remain in my prayers as God does God's next great thing with you. You are always in my heart and my mind. My spirit is stronger because we have had this time together.
Now to him who by the power at work within us,
is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20
Your pastor,
Mindy
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